The Latest: Nassar victims help unveil Michigan legislation

Victims of disgraced former sports doctor Larry Nassar sexual abuse have helped to unveil what is described as sweeping legislation to update Michigan’s laws.

Bills introduced Monday would lengthen certain time limits for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to sue and would add college employees and youth sports coaches, trainers and volunteers to Michigan’s list of people who must report suspected abuse or neglect to children’s protective services.

Other measures would eliminate or lengthen the statute of limitations to give prosecutors more time to bring charges in cases of second- and third-degree sexual misconduct.

Victims and legislators say such measures address systemic flaws that allowed Nassar to abuse young athletes for so long.

Among the women who spoke at a Capitol news conference was Olympian Jordyn Wieber, who spoke at Nassar’s sentencing and says “activism can create action that results in change.”

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The Education Department has opened an investigation into how Michigan State University handled allegations of sexual assault against Dr. Larry Nassar.

Nassar was a campus sports doctor who has been sentenced to decades in prison for sexually assaulting gymnasts and other women and girls and for child pornography crimes.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos says investigators will look at “systemic issues” with regard how to the school deals with such complaints. She says Nassar’s actions “are unimaginable.”

She adds, “The bravery shown by the survivors has been remarkable.”

DeVos says the university’s acting president, John Engler, has ordered the school to cooperate fully with the investigation.

The Michigan Attorney General’s office also is investigating Michigan State’s handling of Nassar.